Wisdom of Taiji Masters:

Insights into Cheng Man Ching’s Art

Nigel Sutton is a martial artist with more than forty years of experience who has spent the last two decades living, training and teaching in Southeast Asia. The author of a number of books on the Asian martial traditions and a lineaged initiate in many of these systems, Nigel continues to research, through practice and participant observation, the martial traditions of the region. Working from his foundational knowledge and experience of the taijiquan of Cheng Man Ching Nigel has broadened the scope of his studies to include other Chinese martial arts, multiple styles of silat, traditional Filipino Eskrima (Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO) and Thailand’s Krabi Krabong. Nigel holds instructor rankings, many of them at a senior grade in Taijiquan, Xingyiquan, Baguazhang, Liangshi Wushu, five styles of Silat, Eskrima DeCampo JDC-IO and Krabi Krabong. His current research is focused on the core elements common to all martial arts which constitute effective martial movement.

These eight teachers describe their experience which made this art, in 30 short years, the premier fighting style of Taijiquan in Southeast Asia. The masters discuss their experience with Taiji fighting, challenges and applications. This is balanced with discussions of Nei Gong or internal strength training, which is seemingly “lost” among Cheng’s students in the West. Well known in the West for its role in the New Age movement, this is the first book to openly expose the reality of Cheng style Taijiquan as a fighting art in the words of leading masters from the lineage.

Only $21.95

Rave Reviews

“Here is a treasure, a resource of proven and practical wisdom which inspires and instructs how to proceed to the highest levels of what Chinese believe to be the only truly unbeatable style of kung-fu.” –Herb Borkland, Goodreads

“Sutton’s book works not just on a technical level, but also an emotional level.” –Ben Judkins, Chinese Martial Arts Studies

“Nigel Sutton has done us a great favor in compiling this book… heartily recommended.” –Bernard Kwan, Be Not Defeated by the Rain

“From the first interview I was completely gripped… There’s plenty of food for reflection in this book.” –Paul Brad, Ancient to Future

“The book… explores the meaning of, and extreme dedication to taijiquan for these men’s lives, with many insights into practice…” —Taijiquan Journal

“A unique and different perspective on a martial arts book that is well written and easy to read.” –Jake Burroughs, The Ground Never Misses

“This is the best Taiji book I have ever read! Why? It contains fighting data. Buy and read the book. It’s a keeper!” –Dan Anderson, World Karate Champion

“I really enjoyed the stories about the masters and their abilities. Their theories of martial arts, despite the softer reputation of taiji, were soundly practical, and I can appreciate that.” -Jaredd Wilson, Martial Thoughts

“You should come away from this book with a broader and better understanding of this wonderful art.” –Anthony Braine, Amazon Reviewer